WOODSTOCK - A new community resource center in Woodstock will offer residents better access to human services.

The Illinois Department of Human Services held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday to announce the opening of its newest Family and Community Resource Center, located at 512 Clay St. in Woodstock.

The center, which has been officially open since May 20, provides residents in need with cash, medical and SNAP (formerly food stamps) assistance.

"We offer everything from basically birth to the end of our life," said Julie Lawrence, local office administrator for the McHenry County Family Community Resource Center.

The center was originally located on Lakeshore Drive off of Route 14, and the new building will allow the organization to serve more people, Lawrence said.

"We're right in the center of Woodstock," she said. "People can even walk to get here. We're very close to businesses, the Square, and it's convenient to other things."

Woodstock Mayor Brian Sager was on hand for the ribbon cutting, and applauded the center's effort to better serve the community.

"We are absolutely overjoyed that human services has a facility here within our community," Sager said. "We embrace the services that are provided, and we are tremendously happy to know that we have been able to expand our facilities and the services therefore provided with this beautiful new building."

The Family and Community Resource Center can assist residents financially by providing Medicaid for new babies, nursing care for the elderly, and assistance for people with disabilities, among other programs.

"We still offer the same services and programs we offered [at the previous location], it's just in a more convenient, close location that makes it easier for people," Lawrence said.

Those in need of services are encouraged to fill out an application in the new building or online at www.dhs.state.il.us. The center will unveil an electronic application system in October that will make it even easier to apply for programs, Lawrence said.

"People can get information about anything here, and if they have other needs we can refer them to community partners. If it's something we can't help them with, we will give them the resources for people can."